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Top things to do in Reykjavik

Whale Watching Reykjavik Tours

Whale watching from Reykjavík takes you straight from the city’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay, where expert guides help you spot humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds against a backdrop of mountains, islands, and the capital’s coastline.

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Whale Watching Reykjavik Tours
Whale watching boat in Akureyri with guests observing a whale tail in the sea.
Orca whales surfacing during a whale watching tour.
Cruise ship with tourists on deck during whale watching tour in Icelandic waters.
Inside seating area of a whale watching tour boat with rows of chairs and large windows.
Humpback whale breaching during whale watching tour.
Faxafloi Bay with snowy mountains in Reykjavik, Iceland, popular for whale watching.
Sightseeing Cruises
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr
  • Set sail on a 2.5 to 3-hour guided whale-watching cruise in Faxafloi Bay, to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat.

  • Learn from expert whale-watching guides about the behavior of whales and other marine life as they help you spot them with ease.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s coastline and spot marine life from the open deck or stay warm in the heated indoor cabin.

  • Buy snacks from the onboard cafeteria, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter the weather.

  • Enjoy peace of mind with a free return ticket if no wildlife is spotted, giving you another chance for unforgettable sightings.

More details

  • Set sail on a 2.5 to 3-hour guided whale-watching cruise in Faxafloi Bay, to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat.

  • Learn from expert whale-watching guides about the behavior of whales and other marine life as they help you spot them with ease.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s coastline and spot marine life from the open deck or stay warm in the heated indoor cabin.

  • Buy snacks from the onboard cafeteria, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter the weather.

  • Enjoy peace of mind with a free return ticket if no wildlife is spotted, giving you another chance for unforgettable sightings.

from
€97.62
Whale breaching during whale watching tour on luxury yacht.
Luxury yacht cruising on open blue water.
Whale sighted near yacht during whale watching tour.
Whale breaching during whale watching tour on luxury yacht.
Luxury yacht cruising near a coastal city at sunset, passengers on deck enjoying the view.
Guests enjoying hot drinks on a luxury yacht during a whale watching tour.
Guests pointing at whales from yacht during whale watching tour.
Luxury yacht serving area with drinks, ice buckets, and a smiling staff member.
Luxury yacht interior with wooden decor and seating, large windows for whale watching tour.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Set off from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard the Amelia Rose, a luxury yacht designed for smooth, comfortable sailing on Iceland’s open waters.

  • Glide past Faxaflói Bay’s islands and coastline while searching for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises and even orcas. You'll be guided by an expert crew trained in spotting wildlife.

  • Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views from three panoramic decks, with partially covered areas that let you take in Reykjavík’s skyline and rugged seascapes in any weather.

  • Experience a calmer, more stable ride thanks to the yacht’s offshore-ready design, ideal for guests prone to seasickness.

  • Capture incredible photos and soak in Iceland’s marine world up close, all while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a small-group luxury cruise.

More details

  • Set off from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard the Amelia Rose, a luxury yacht designed for smooth, comfortable sailing on Iceland’s open waters.

  • Glide past Faxaflói Bay’s islands and coastline while searching for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises and even orcas. You'll be guided by an expert crew trained in spotting wildlife.

  • Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views from three panoramic decks, with partially covered areas that let you take in Reykjavík’s skyline and rugged seascapes in any weather.

  • Experience a calmer, more stable ride thanks to the yacht’s offshore-ready design, ideal for guests prone to seasickness.

  • Capture incredible photos and soak in Iceland’s marine world up close, all while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a small-group luxury cruise.

from
€94.12
Guests on RIB speedboat watching whale tail in ocean.
Whale tail emerging from water during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching whale tail in ocean.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale in Icelandic waters.
Whale tail splashing in ocean near Reykjavik with mountains in background.
Lighthouse at Reykjavik port entrance viewed from a RIB speedboat, Iceland.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr
  • Experience a thrilling high-speed RIB ride that brings you closer to whales and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay while ensuring comfort with state-of-the-art suspension seating.

  • Enjoy expert-led wildlife viewing, a guaranteed return ticket if no animals are spotted, and explore breathtaking Reykjavík coastal scenery on your way back.

  • Visit Puffin Island during summer for close views of adorable nesting puffins and gain deeper marine-life insights through guided commentary.

  • Stay warm and safe with the provided overalls, life vests, gloves, goggles, and a free buff, ensuring a cozy and secure experience on the water.

  • Entry to the Whales of Iceland museum is included, enriching your adventure with immersive exhibits before or after your tour.

More details

  • Experience a thrilling high-speed RIB ride that brings you closer to whales and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay while ensuring comfort with state-of-the-art suspension seating.

  • Enjoy expert-led wildlife viewing, a guaranteed return ticket if no animals are spotted, and explore breathtaking Reykjavík coastal scenery on your way back.

  • Visit Puffin Island during summer for close views of adorable nesting puffins and gain deeper marine-life insights through guided commentary.

  • Stay warm and safe with the provided overalls, life vests, gloves, goggles, and a free buff, ensuring a cozy and secure experience on the water.

  • Entry to the Whales of Iceland museum is included, enriching your adventure with immersive exhibits before or after your tour.

from
€163.90
Whale fin near RIB speedboat with guests on whale watching tour from Reykjavik.
Whale breaching near Reykjavik during RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale breach near Reykjavik.
Puffins on rocky shore during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on a boat tour approaching Puffin Island's rocky shoreline.
Puffins on grassy cliff during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat for whale watching and puffin tour departing Reykjavik harbor.
Whale breaching near a tour boat during a whale watching trip from Reykjavik.
Whale tail splashing near tour boat on Reykjavik whale watching and puffin tour.
Whale tail splashing near RIB speedboat with guests, Reykjavik tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat during whale watching and puffin tour from Reykjavik.
Whale breaching near Reykjavik with city skyline in the background.
Puffin on grassy cliff with ocean backdrop during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Whale watching from RIB speedboat near Reykjavik with guests observing a whale.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching whale near Reykjavik.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr
  • Embark on a small-group RIB adventure led by a certified captain and marine biologist, ensuring an intimate and informative wildlife experience.

  • Get close to whales and puffins in their natural habitat while your expert guide shares fascinating insights about their behavior and ecosystem.

  • Take in Reykjavík’s iconic skyline from the water, passing landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

  • Stay warm and safe with thermal overalls, gloves, goggles, and all safety equipment provided for every passenger.

  • Fun fact: RIB boats can travel faster and closer to wildlife than larger vessels, increasing your chances of spotting whales and puffins in action.

More details

  • Embark on a small-group RIB adventure led by a certified captain and marine biologist, ensuring an intimate and informative wildlife experience.

  • Get close to whales and puffins in their natural habitat while your expert guide shares fascinating insights about their behavior and ecosystem.

  • Take in Reykjavík’s iconic skyline from the water, passing landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

  • Stay warm and safe with thermal overalls, gloves, goggles, and all safety equipment provided for every passenger.

  • Fun fact: RIB boats can travel faster and closer to wildlife than larger vessels, increasing your chances of spotting whales and puffins in action.

from
€173.74
Cruise ship under northern lights in Iceland.
Guests viewing northern lights from a cruise ship deck.
Guests viewing northern lights from a cruise ship deck in Iceland.
Whale breaching near cruise ship with guest watching in red jacket.
Whale tail splashing in ocean during cruise whale watching tour.
Guests observing a whale surfacing near the cruise.
Guests viewing northern lights from a cruise ship deck in Iceland.
Northern lights display over a cruise ship in the Arctic.
Whale breaching in ocean during cruise whale watching tour.
Whale fin emerging from ocean during cruise whale watching tour.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
5 hr
  • Experience two of Iceland’s signature adventures in one day: a 3-hour whale watching tour and a 2-hour Northern Lights & City Cruise, all at a discounted combo price.

  • Spot humpback whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and winter seabirds in Faxaflói Bay, guided by an expert marine biologist naturalist.

  • Enjoy a break between tours to explore Reykjavík or grab dinner before heading back out for an evening cruise beneath the aurora-lit sky.

  • Stay warm with heated indoor spaces, panoramic viewing decks, and complimentary overalls, with free WiFi available on board.

  • Did you know? Humpback whales in Faxaflói Bay often return to the same feeding grounds year after year. Some individuals have been identified in Icelandic waters for over two decades.

More details

  • Experience two of Iceland’s signature adventures in one day: a 3-hour whale watching tour and a 2-hour Northern Lights & City Cruise, all at a discounted combo price.

  • Spot humpback whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and winter seabirds in Faxaflói Bay, guided by an expert marine biologist naturalist.

  • Enjoy a break between tours to explore Reykjavík or grab dinner before heading back out for an evening cruise beneath the aurora-lit sky.

  • Stay warm with heated indoor spaces, panoramic viewing decks, and complimentary overalls, with free WiFi available on board.

  • Did you know? Humpback whales in Faxaflói Bay often return to the same feeding grounds year after year. Some individuals have been identified in Icelandic waters for over two decades.

from
€175.13
Puffins on a grassy cliff during a boat tour from Reykjavik.
Puffin watching boat near rocky shore with passengers, Iceland flag visible.
Tour guide assisting guest with life jacket on Reykjavik puffin watching boat tour.
Puffins on a grassy cliff during a Reykjavik boat tour.
Puffin flying with fish during Reykjavik boat tour.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
  • Cruise out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard the specially designed Old Skúli, with a knowledgeable guide and binoculars for up-close puffin encounters.

  • See Atlantic puffins nesting on nearby islands just 15 minutes from the city. The sightings are guaranteed on every tour.

  • Glide past Akurey and surrounding bird-rich islands while learning fascinating facts about the wildlife and local geography.

  • You can access the Special Tours Iceland app which is available in 5 languages, offering text and audio commentary about puffins, islands, and Reykjavík’s coastline.

More details

  • Cruise out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard the specially designed Old Skúli, with a knowledgeable guide and binoculars for up-close puffin encounters.

  • See Atlantic puffins nesting on nearby islands just 15 minutes from the city. The sightings are guaranteed on every tour.

  • Glide past Akurey and surrounding bird-rich islands while learning fascinating facts about the wildlife and local geography.

  • You can access the Special Tours Iceland app which is available in 5 languages, offering text and audio commentary about puffins, islands, and Reykjavík’s coastline.

from
€55.75

What our guests say

Kiril

Kiril

Sep 2025
Came with my fiancé. Whale watching was the highlight of our Iceland trip. We got to wear these HUGE waterproof suits that made us look ridiculous but kept us warm. Didn’t see the lights but still happy we did it.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise Combo

Marta

Marta

Oct 2025
Went solo because I didn’t wanna miss out and not many people wanted to go out in the cold lol. The boat was cooool, tons of space inside and out. I did get a bit cold so def layer up. Saw a whale tail slap and some seals lying on rocks. Didn’t see the lights, but they gave us a voucher to come back another night, which is nice I guess. Staff was super chill, answered all my questions.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise Combo

Sofie

Sofie

Nov 2025
Went with my brother and my dad (he’s a whale nerd) and it was COLD but the crew handed out blankets which helped a lot. We actually saw a humpback breaching, which was a first for us. It felt like the boat was rocking a bit much but nobody seemed to mind. There’s a bar but I just stuck to hot chocolate. Crew was chatty, knew so much. Would go again tbh, just bring extra socks.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching on Luxury Yacht

Jasper

Jasper

Oct 2025
Pretty decent trip overall. Bit crowded on deck but I managed to get a good spot. Saw dolphins before whales, so that was a bonus. It got super windy and my hat almost blew off, so hold onto ur stuff. Crew were friendly, but wish the guide spoke a little slower.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching on Luxury Yacht

Kim

Kim

Sep 2025
Great for teens! My daughter loved the speed. Saw one whale pretty close but others kept their distance. Crew did their best to find more. Worth it, but bring snacks.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour on RIB Speedboat

Javier

Javier

Oct 2025
Booked as a family, kids 7 and 10. Both loved it, esp the fast bits. Saw two different types of whale and some seals. Crew was patient with our questions.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour on RIB Speedboat

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